Clayton Afinowicz

Clayton Afinowicz was inducted into the THPA Hall of Fame in 2018 becoming the 45th Member to be inducted.

Clayton joined the THPA in 2001, becoming a member of the Central Texas Horseshoe Pitchers Association in Waco. Although a formidable horseshoe pitcher in the Junior Boy’s and Men’s Divisions, Clayton’s greatest contributions to the THPA come from behind the Officer’s table.

In 2008, at the age of 16, Clayton was elected THPA 5th Vice President and Editor, making him the youngest charter officer elected in both THPA and NHPA history. During this time Clayton introduced the THPA to the world of social media by creating and administering the organization’s Facebook page, a resource that continues to be vital in the quick exchange of news and information among the membership.

Clayton has also served the THPA in the positions of President, 1st Vice President, and is currently serving as 2nd Vice President and Historian. At the local level he has served the Waco Club as Secretary and Editor for 6 years and has been Tournament Director since 2016. Throughout his time in office Clayton has proven to be a great asset to our sport. In 2012 he organized and served as Chairman for the original Texas World Tournament Committee in an effort to bring the NHPA World Tournament to Texas for the first time. The following year Texas submitted its first successful bid. Unfortunately, Texas was unable to secure the Event. Despite this, his efforts paved the way for a successful bid and future World Tournament in 2019 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Clayton also founded and organized the Pitching for the Veterans horseshoe tournament in 2013, an event that raised over $5,000 for wounded veterans in Texas. Later that year he helped organize the Gun Barrel City Horseshoe Club and served as Tournament Director for the club’s first tournament. Furthermore, Clayton created the Player of the Year Award, the THPA Rookie of the Year Award, and the THPA Achievement Award in an effort to further recognize accomplishments of the THPA membership.

Clayton was awarded the Charlie Posey Sportsmanship Award in 2012, was recognized for his work with the Junior program in 2013, and received the THPA President’s Award in 2019. In addition, he won the Coke Bowker Player of the Year Award in 2010 and again in 2012. He has also been the recipient of the Texas Travel Award three times - in 2010, 2012, and 2013.

You will always find Clayton keeping score, assisting with stats, promoting the sport of horseshoe pitching, and enjoying the company of his THPA family. He has served the THPA for most of his life and is deserving of a place in the THPA Hall of Fame.